Brazilian salmon tarantula
Scientific name: Lasiodora parahybana
IUCN listed as: Not Evaluated
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
Child-friendly
Everyday
Diet
The Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula primarily feeds on insects, such as crickets and locusts. As it grows larger, its diet can include small vertebrates like lizards and mice. This tarantula uses its strong fangs to inject venom, which immobilises its prey and starts the digestion process. They are nocturnal hunters, preferring to ambush their prey at night.
The Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula mainly eats bugs like crickets and locusts. When it gets bigger, it can also eat small animals like lizards and mice. It uses its sharp fangs to bite and paralyse its food. This tarantula likes to hunt at night by surprising its prey.
Breeding
Breeding season for Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantulas typically occurs after the rainy season. Females lay up to 2,000 eggs, which they protect in a silk egg sac. The eggs hatch in about eight weeks, and the spiderlings stay with the mother for a short period before dispersing. Males usually die shortly after mating, as their primary purpose is reproduction.
Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantulas mate after the rainy season. The female can lay up to 2,000 eggs and keeps them safe in a silk bag. The eggs hatch in about two months, and the baby spiders stay with their mum for a little while before going off on their own. Male tarantulas often die soon after mating because their main job is to help make baby tarantulas.
Habitat
The Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula is native to the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil. It prefers tropical, humid environments with plenty of cover such as fallen logs and dense vegetation. These tarantulas are ground-dwellers, creating burrows where they spend most of their time. Habitat destruction is a concern, as deforestation can threaten their natural living spaces.
The Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula lives in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. It likes humid, tropical places with lots of plants and logs to hide under. These tarantulas live on the ground and dig burrows to stay safe. Cutting down forests can be a problem for them because it destroys their homes.
At the zoo
In zoos, Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantulas are housed in enclosures that replicate their natural habitat, with plenty of hiding places and appropriate humidity levels. Zoos provide these tarantulas with a diet similar to what they would eat in the wild, ensuring they get proper nutrition. Educational programmes often feature these tarantulas to teach visitors about their role in the ecosystem and the importance of arachnid conservation. Observing these tarantulas helps people appreciate their unique behaviours and adaptations.
Zoos keep Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantulas in homes that look like their natural habitat, with lots of places to hide and the right humidity. They feed them the same kinds of food they would eat in the wild. Zoos also have programmes to teach visitors about how important tarantulas are and why we should protect them. Watching these tarantulas can help people see how special and cool they are.
Behaviour
Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantulas are solitary and mostly nocturnal, coming out at night to hunt. They are known for their defensive behaviours, such as rearing up on their hind legs and flicking urticating hairs when threatened. These tarantulas are relatively fast and can be aggressive if provoked. Their behaviour in the wild helps them avoid predators and successfully capture prey.
Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantulas live alone and are most active at night when they hunt. If they feel threatened, they might stand up on their back legs and flick tiny, itchy hairs at attackers. These tarantulas can move quickly and might act aggressively if they feel scared. Their wild behaviours help them stay safe and catch food.
Fun facts
- Huge Size: Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantulas can grow up to 25 cm (10 inches) in leg span, making them one of the largest tarantulas in the world.
- Fast Growth: They grow quickly, reaching full size in about two to three years.
- Long Life: Females can live up to 15 years, while males typically live for around 5 years.
- Hair Flicking: They can flick tiny hairs from their abdomen to irritate predators’ skin and eyes.
- Silk Spinners: Besides making webs, they use silk to line their burrows and protect their egg sacs.
- Huge Size: These tarantulas can get as big as a dinner plate, with a leg span of up to 25 cm (10 inches).
- Fast Growth: They grow really fast and can be full-sized in just two to three years.
- Long Life: Female tarantulas can live up to 15 years, but males usually live for about 5 years.
- Hair Flicking: They can flick tiny, itchy hairs to annoy and scare away predators.
- Silk Spinners: They use silk to make webs, line their burrows, and protect their eggs.
More animals to discover at our zoo
Quick Links
Tickets & Prices
You can buy tickets for Exmoor Zoo securely online, as well as finding out more price options, discover offers, and more…
What’s on…
Exmoor Zoo hosts incredible Events all through the year. You can find out about what we’ve got in store here…
Routes & info
Like any great discovery, Exmoor Zoo can feel a little off the beaten path – but don’t worry – you can plan your journey with our recommended routes and other useful travel info.
